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Abstract #2125

In vivo DTI to correlate in ‘real time’ testosterone-induced neural changes to song performance in a seasonal songbird

Jasmien Ellen Maria Jozef Orije1, Geert De Groof2, Sofie Van Massenhoven3, Elisabeth Jonckers2, Veerle Darras4, and Annemie Van der Linden2

1Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Deurne, Belgium, 2Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium, 3University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium, 4Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

The dynamic relationship between song performance and neuroplasticity induced by testosterone implantation was monitored longitudinally in a seasonal songbird (European starling) by using in vivo DTI. Voxel based analysis showed that the song bout length was positively correlated to the fractional anisotropy changes in different parts of the motor pathway. Meaning that the motor pathway strengthens as song performance advances under the influence of testosterone.

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